4 Jun 2025, 13:03Darell J. Philip, PR and Communications AssistantHackney, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Committed to the Cross: Hackney SDA Youth Day
A charge was given to those in attendance at Hackney’s Youth Day on Sabbath, 31 May 2025, to be “All in” as followers of Christ—committed to the cross and the sharing of the gospel to all people.
The Sabbath School Adult Lesson Study, facilitated by Elder Darell Philip, brought members together as they discussed in small groups the relevance of the book of Psalms in relation to end-time prophecy.
During the children’s story, Lloyd Reid was “All in” with his animated and enthusiastic retelling of the biblical account of Peter walking on water towards Jesus—reminding the children that even when they find themselves in trouble, just as Peter did, they too can cry out to Jesus for help, and He will save them.
A health spot, presented by Jana Brooks, highlighted the 50% increase in cases of mental health challenges since COVID-19 amongst 10–34-year-olds (the age bracket for youth), and the importance of limiting our usage of social media, which is a primary cause of the increase in mental health challenges amongst this demographic.
Sister Ronelia, a youth pastor in training, delivered a powerful prayer which reminded the youth of their purpose and special calling as God’s final-day ministers—bringing the gospel message to all people in heralding the imminent return of Christ to the earth.
Special items in music were rendered on the saxophone by Rashaun Gardner (“Wrap Me in Your Arms”) and on the violin by Sophie Bannis (“My Anchor and My Sail”) before the meditational (“I Give Myself Away”) was sung by Hackney’s Youth Praise and Worship Team, led by Elder Chris Brooks.
The message—Pack Your Coffin—presented by Pastor Costa Vegas, challenged the youth and all in attendance to go “All in” with their commitment to the cross and the sharing of the end-time gospel message to all people. Having made a promise to take a mission trip to Liberia, Vegas found himself at a crossroads when the country broke out in a civil war. However, with some initial reluctance, he took the risk—and by the end of what one could only describe as a rollercoaster of a trip, 500 individuals were baptised. Vegas told Hackney youth and attendees to count the cost of discipleship and, like Peter walking on water, take risks which may seem crazy to some but cannot fail when God is in it.
The day came to an end with an open forum with Hackney’s Youth Leader, Rebecca Marshall, which looked at planting and growth in our lives and the limitless possibilities available to those who place their dependence 100% in Jesus.
A charge was given to those in attendance at Hackney’s Youth Day on Sabbath, 31 May 2025, to be “All in” as followers of Christ—committed to the cross and the sharing of the gospel to all people.
The Sabbath School Adult Lesson Study, facilitated by Elder Darell Philip, brought members together as they discussed in small groups the relevance of the book of Psalms in relation to end-time prophecy.
During the children’s story, Lloyd Reid was “All in” with his animated and enthusiastic retelling of the biblical account of Peter walking on water towards Jesus—reminding the children that even when they find themselves in trouble, just as Peter did, they too can cry out to Jesus for help, and He will save them.
A health spot, presented by Jana Brooks, highlighted the 50% increase in cases of mental health challenges since COVID-19 amongst 10–34-year-olds (the age bracket for youth), and the importance of limiting our usage of social media, which is a primary cause of the increase in mental health challenges amongst this demographic.
Sister Ronelia, a youth pastor in training, delivered a powerful prayer which reminded the youth of their purpose and special calling as God’s final-day ministers—bringing the gospel message to all people in heralding the imminent return of Christ to the earth.
Special items in music were rendered on the saxophone by Rashaun Gardner (“Wrap Me in Your Arms”) and on the violin by Sophie Bannis (“My Anchor and My Sail”) before the meditational (“I Give Myself Away”) was sung by Hackney’s Youth Praise and Worship Team, led by Elder Chris Brooks.
The message—Pack Your Coffin—presented by Pastor Costa Vegas, challenged the youth and all in attendance to go “All in” with their commitment to the cross and the sharing of the end-time gospel message to all people. Having made a promise to take a mission trip to Liberia, Vegas found himself at a crossroads when the country broke out in a civil war. However, with some initial reluctance, he took the risk—and by the end of what one could only describe as a rollercoaster of a trip, 500 individuals were baptised. Vegas told Hackney youth and attendees to count the cost of discipleship and, like Peter walking on water, take risks which may seem crazy to some but cannot fail when God is in it.
The day came to an end with an open forum with Hackney’s Youth Leader, Rebecca Marshall, which looked at planting and growth in our lives and the limitless possibilities available to those who place their dependence 100% in Jesus.
